Justice Raheel Kamran Sheikh has formally stepped down from his position as a judge of the Lahore High Court. His resignation brings an early end to a tenure that started with his appointment on May 7, 2021. He was originally scheduled to retire in 2036.
In his resignation letter, Justice Raheel described his time on the bench as an honour and a source of pride. He called the years spent serving as a judge both important and deeply fulfilling. He also made it clear that he is leaving the judiciary while remaining fully committed to the Constitution and the rule of law.
After careful and sustained reflection, he decided that further growth as a jurist would be better achieved outside the court. He plans to focus on legal scholarship, policy research, and comparative judicial practice. These areas, he believes, will allow him to contribute more effectively to the rule of law and improve access to justice.
A copy of his resignation was also sent to the registrar of the Lahore High Court.
Justice Raheel holds a law degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and is a Barrister of the Middle Temple. He was enrolled as an Advocate of the High Courts in April 2000 and later became an Advocate of the Supreme Court in September 2012.
During his professional career, he served as a member of the Pakistan Bar Council from 2016 to 2020. He chaired the Human Rights Committee of the council and also worked as a member of its Executive Committee. His legal practice covered a wide range of areas including public law, commercial law, taxation, regulatory matters, white-collar crime, and human rights.
Colleagues and members of the legal community have acknowledged his contributions during his time on the bench. Many view his decision as a personal choice made after deep thought rather than any external pressure. His resignation has drawn attention within legal circles as it comes well before the expected end of his service.
Justice Raheel leaves behind a record of dedicated service and a clear intention to continue working for the cause of justice in new ways. His future efforts in research and scholarship are expected to keep him connected to the legal system he served for several years.
